Portugal, located on the Iberian Peninsula in Southern Europe, is known for its rich history, stunning coastline, and vibrant culture. Famous for its maritime heritage, Portugal once led the Age of Exploration and is home to landmarks like the Tower of Belém and Jerónimos Monastery in Lisbon.

From the picturesque streets of Porto to the sun-soaked Algarve beaches, Portugal offers a perfect blend of historical charm, natural beauty, and world-class cuisine.

Key Facts:

Travel Info

Climate: Mediterranean; mild, rainy winters and warm, dry summers.

Capital City: Lisbon

Main Airport: Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS)

Top Airline: TAP Air Portugal

Major Attraction: Tower of Belém, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and iconic symbol of Portugal’s maritime history.

Cultural Info

Local Greeting: “Olá” (Hello) or “Bom dia” (Good morning)

Language: Portuguese

Soccer Team: Portugal National Football Team (“Seleção das Quinas”)

Nicknames: “The Land of Fado”

Popular Athlete: Cristiano Ronaldo (footballer)

Personality: Amália Rodrigues (fado singer) and Vasco da Gama (explorer)

Economic Info

GDP/Per Capita: Approx. $25,000 (USD, 2023 estimate)

Top Export: Cork, wine, and textiles

Population/Rank: Approx. 10 million; ranked 88th globally by population

Currency: Euro (EUR)

Top Grub: Bacalhau à Brás (a dish made with salted cod, potatoes, and eggs)

Recipe: https://www.tasteoflisboa.com/blog/portuguese-codfish-recipe/

Try this Grub! Pastel de Nata (a creamy custard tart in a flaky pastry shell)

Recipe: https://www.tastingtable.com/1240018/what-makes-portugals-pastel-de-nata-egg-tarts-unique/

Popular Beverage: Port wine and Ginjinha (a cherry liqueur)

Where to Grub: https://churrasqueira.com// (Churrasqueria in NYC, a well known restaurant offering a variety of Portuguese dishes)